Bilateral Relations
The diplomatic relations between Nepal and Kingdom of Thailand were established on 30 November 1959. Resident diplomatic missions at Charge d’Affaires level were opened in each other's capitals in 1969, which were subsequently upgraded to Ambassadorial level in 1980. The embassy of Nepal in Thailand is accredited to Cambodia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam. In addition, Nepal also has an Honorary Consulate in Phuket.
Nepal and Thailand enjoy strong bilateral relations bas
ed on goodwill, mutual cooperation and understanding. Besides being the members of BIMSTEC and NAM, both Nepal and Thailand have been bound not only by the principles and practices of international organizations like UN, but also by the similarity in culture and shared values, such as Buddhism. Thousands of Thai monks and other pilgrims visit Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha, every year.
Royal Thai Government has been providing assistance to Nepal for human resources development under Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA) and master’s degree scholarships in various subjects.
Exchange of Visits
Exchange of visits at high level from time to time followed by people-to people contacts have has further strengthened Nepal and Thailand relations.
Bilateral Cooperation
After a gap for 17 years, the fifth meeting of Nepal-Thailand Joint Commission was held virtually on 25 August 2021. Foreign Secretary Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal and Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi led their respective delegations.
Nepal and Thailand signed an Agreement on Exemption of Visa Requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports on 8 January 1999 which incorporates holders of diplomatic and official (special) passports of both countries are exempted from visas for the period not exceeding 90 days in each other’s countries.
Nepal has signed Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Thailand on 16 February 2004 and was reviewed in November 2018.
Thai Government through its Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) is regularly providing scholarships for Masters’ Degree to Government officials to study in Thailand.
Similarly, Thai Government provided more than 66 scholarships in master’s degree program for year 2022.
Trade and Investment
The trade relation between the two countries has been in favor of Thailand in recent years. Nepal imports synthetic fibers, roaster coffee, PVC Pipes, shampoo, cosmetics, footwear, dentifrices, etc. from Thailand while Nepal exports meat, carpets, stationary items, sacks and bags, rags, intraocular lenses, dog and cat food etc.
Nepal Chambers of Commerce and Thai Chambers of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 20, 2004 in Bangkok for promoting bilateral trade and commerce.
Value in 000 Rs.
|
Year/Trade |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
|
Exports |
82,579.09 |
71,416.99 |
75,278.98 |
|
Imports |
9,656,690.94 |
11,960,986.40 |
11,289,884.12 |
Thai businessmen have invested in Nepal in the areas of manufacturing, production of mineral water, hotel business, restaurants, etc. According to the Industrial Statistics published by the Department of Industry, 13 projects with a proposed total capital of Rs. 1,042.37 million Thai investment was approved by the Government of Nepal by the end of FY 2079/80. It is expected to generate 1189 employment opportunities.
Tourism
Tourism is an important sector in the bilateral relations between Nepal and the Thousands of Thai people visit Nepal every year for religious purpose. Thailand has become an important tourist market for Nepal in the recent years. Many third country tourists visit Nepal via Thailand. The increased flights between Nepal and Thailand are supportive to such cooperation.
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Number of Tourists |
576 |
9,935 |
25,678 |
South East Asia and the Pacific Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
As of January 2025
